The comforting world of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells, where tender pasta shells are filled with a deliciously seasoned beef and ricotta mixture, all smothered in a rich sauce! Imagine digging into a plate of these cheesy, hearty shells, each bite bursting with flavor. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace that will satisfy your cravings.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to indulge in a comforting Italian classic. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and discover how to create these delightful Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Resume of the Recipe
These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells feature jumbo pasta shells filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and Italian seasonings, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Baked to perfection, they are a satisfying and comforting dish.
Quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, these stuffed shells are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. Get ready to indulge in this delicious treat!
Exciting Story:
Let me share how Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells became a favorite in our household. One chilly evening, I wanted to create a hearty dish that would warm us up. I remembered how much my family loved stuffed pasta and decided to combine creamy ricotta with seasoned beef for a filling meal.
As I cooked the beef and mixed the cheesy filling, the kitchen filled with enticing aromas that drew everyone in. When I pulled the baked shells from the oven, their gooey cheese and rich sauce made my family’s mouths water. The first bite was met with smiles and satisfied sighs, and since that day, these stuffed shells have become a staple for our family dinners, a comforting reminder of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Why These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a Must-Try
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of ricotta and seasoned beef creates a deliciously creamy texture.
- Comfort Food: This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is suitable for cooks of all levels.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, opening side up.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting goodness of these creamy stuffed shells!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, sauté some onions and garlic with the ground beef.
- Ensure the pasta shells are not overcooked; they will continue to cook in the oven.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Substitute the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
- Add spinach or other vegetables to the filling for extra nutrition.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter dish.
- Incorporate whole grain pasta shells for added fiber.
Closing
And there you have it! These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delicious meal ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! Store-bought sauce saves time and works perfectly. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I make these stuffed shells in advance?
Yes! Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. - What can I serve with these shells?
They pair well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. - How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
They should be heated through and the cheese bubbly. - Can I add more cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the cheese to suit your taste. - How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for some heat. - Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes! Freeze them before baking for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding extra time. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Cheddar or provolone can work well in this recipe.
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutes1
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Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound 1 ground beef
1 cup 1 ricotta cheese
1 cup 1 shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large 1 egg
2 teaspoons 2 Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
3 cups 3 marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
12 12 -16 jumbo pasta shells
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, opening side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting goodness of these creamy stuffed shells!
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